It May Be Back To Square One

This CUPE file has so many twists and turns. I cannot make this stuff up!

And when the facts change as dramatically as this, then my conclusion about the strike being over changes too. Sorry!

Here is what Jean Fox just sent to me. According to her, the Star messed up:

• "FYI:
  
  I was misquoted by the Windsor Star. Post Retirement Benefits have not been agreed to and therefore still on the table. Please correct your blog.
  
  Thanks
  
  Jean Fox
  
  President CUPE Local 543

If that is the case, I do not know what will happen next!

I know what I would suggest strategically. The steps that I outlined in my previous BLOG should be started right away by CUPE. Time to be aggressive and stand up for respect for members.

I doubt that there will be an agreement with the City now.

It does not matter. After the Caboto fiasco, Eddie has been weakened. Mr #26 is irrelevant now. The strike issue belongs to Sandra and Dwight. They need to become the focus of CUPE's attention and as hard as possible.

Right now, until there is arbitration or CUPE workers are legislated back to work.

It is not that long before the next provincial election. Our two Cabinet Ministers/MPPs need to be reminded of that.

CUPE STATEMENT

• Monday, July 20 - 3:45 p.m. - Update from Jean Fox, President - Many of you have been wondering about the quote in the Windsor Star where Jean Fox was quoted as saying P.R.B.'s were removed from the table. Be advised that the question that was posted to Jean was 'Were post-retirement benefits off the table in the last package' - to which Jean responded yes. This was indeed the truth for the last package. In no way was it meant to say that P.R.B.'s were permanently removed from the table - the P.R.B.'s are still an outstanding item for collective bargaining tomorrow (July 21). Be advised that both CUPE Local 82 and CUPE Local 543 will be in mediated bargaining tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) at 9 a.m.
  
  85% of the 543 membership rejected the Corporation's offer on July 16. Those results were released after discussion with CUPE National at app. 7:30 p.m. on July 16 where CUPE National advised both Jean and Jim to go ahead and release the numbers.